A collection of integrated software programs and technologies known as a Hospitality Information System (HIS) is intended to manage and optimize operations in the hospitality sector, which includes lodging facilities, dining establishments, resorts, and other service-oriented enterprises.
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Introduction to Hospitality Information System
- Hospitality and tourism management (HTM) is a multidisciplinary field with the purpose of that provides food, accommodations, and tourism services to people away from home.
- Hospitality not only includes hotels and restaurants but also refers to other kinds of institutions that offer shelter, food, or both to people away from home. This might include private clubs, casinos, resorts, attractions and so on.
- Hospitality information system are a collection of components that work together to provide information help in the operation and management of a hospitality organization.
- Information technology systems in use in the hospitality industry are primarily computers and telephone systems, However some software applications and hardware are in use in various sectors.
Characteristics of Hospitality Information System (HIS)
Hospitality is a diverse field which is service oriented.
The characteristics of HIS are similar to the characteristics of MIS. Some specific characteristics of HIS are:
- Product service MIX
- Two way communication
- Relationship Building
- Diversity in culture
- Labor intensive
- Product is intangible and perishable
- Inseparable services
- Shift work
- Recreational service
- Patience and tolerance
Computer Reservation System (CRS)
- Computer reservation system are primarily for inventory management by airlines, hotels, and other tourism and hospitality enterprises.
- Presently CRS provides an integrated solution for managing sales, bookings, customer relationship management and services, other marketing practices, payments and accounting at one to one basis.
- It has several benefits such as Integration with external reservation networks, In- house reservations networks, single- property reservation systems, and property management systems.
- CRS are central to the hospitality industry and are becoming the digital nervous system of the hospitality value chain.
Global Distribution System (GDS)
- A global distributed system is a network operated by a company which enables automated transactions between third parties and booking agents in order to provide travel- related services to the end consumers.
- A GDS can link services, rates and bookings consolidating products and services across all three travel sectors: i.e. airlines reservation, hotel reservations, car rentals and activity.
- GDS is different from a computer reservation system which is a reservation system used by the respective vendors.
- Primary customer of GDS are travel agent to make reservations on various reservations system run by the vendors.
- These are global access technologies that allow worldwide real time distribution.
- A GDS contains database with the information on travel product such as schedules. Prices, availability, and descriptions.
- The GDS users able to access information as well as book and /or purchase the hospitality products.
Travel Agent
- The role of travel agent is to provide information to the customer as well as to facilitate the booking and purchase of the hospitality product.
- Travel agents typically work on commission. i.e. they sell rooms at the negotiated rate or at the prevailing rate and receive a percentage.
Property Management System (PMS)
- It is also known as Hotel Operating System (HOS), under business terms may be used in real state, manufacturing, logistics, intellectual property, government or hospitality accommodation management.
- They are computerized systems that facilitates the management of properties, personal properties and equipment, including maintenance, legalities and personnel all through a single piece of software.
- Automate hotel functions like guest bookings, guest details, online reservations, Point of Sales, telephone, accounts receivable, sales and marketing, banquets, food and beverage costing, materials management, HR and payroll, maintenance management, quality management and other amenities.
- The functions of PMS can be broken down into four different catagories:
- Registration
- House keeping
- Guest accounting
- Night audit
Point of Sale System (POS)
- Any point of sales transaction can occur in a hospitality organization such as restaurants, bars can be considered a point of sale (POS).
- EPOS systems can be linked to the main hotel computer system and a transaction at the restaurant can instantly debited on the room billing.
- Some of the application features of POS system are:
- Reducing theft
- Reducing or increasing physical inventory
- Watching margins
- Speeding guest ordering and checking out
- Ensuring accuracy
- Keeping track of guests
- POS software may include additional features to cater for different functionality, such as inventory management, CRM, Financials, warehousing etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Hospitality Information System (HIS)?
Software called HIS is used in the hospitality sector to handle tasks like bookings, invoicing, cleaning, and customer support.
What are the key components of HIS?
Components include Property Management Systems (PMS), Point of Sale (POS) systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and channel management.
Why is HIS important for hospitality businesses?
It improves visitor experiences, increases operational efficiency, and facilitates departmental communication.